Summer is just around the corner and most people know what that means ... bathing suits, short shorts, and lots of fun in the sun! You hear so much about avoiding the sun to prevent cancer and wrinkles, but did you know that sensible sunlight is key to vital health and is an important source of Vitamin D! Vit-D also known as the "sunshine vitamin" is one of the most underated nutrients in the world! Vit-D has numerous immune system benefits, not to mention it's anti aging benefits! This fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods such as salmon, eggs, and Vit-D fortified milk is also produced in the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Unfortunately, studies show an epidemic level of Vitamin-D deficiencies from infancy to old age in over 50% of Americans due to lack of sunlight. And then as we age, our ability to metabolize Vit-D is reduced even more.
Vitamin D Deficiencies Are Linked To:
- Increased risk of certain Cancers such as Prostate, Breast, and Colon
- Autoimmune Diseases such as Type 1 Diabetes and Rheumatoid Arthriris
- Depression
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - A Mood Disorder caused by lack of light in the Winter
- Muscle Weakness
- Chronic Muscle Pain
- Ricketes in Children and Osteomalacia in Adults
Vitamin D is essential for promoting calcium absorption, extremely energizing and anti aging. Without sufficient Vit-D bones become thin, brittle, or misshapen.
A Vitamin D3 supplement is a practical way to ensure you're getting adequate levels of this very important Vitamin. A NATURAL Vitamin D3 (1,000 Unit) Supplement once a day is recommended in combination with calcium and magnesium to maintain a proper balance. NOTE: Or better yet, opt for 5-10 minutes of direct healthy sun exposure WITHOUT sunscreen. Just a few minutes of daily sunshine is sufficient for adequate Vitamin-D and to minimize the risk of many cancers.
The rest of the time when you are exposed to the sun, use a good sunscreen!!! I cannot emphasize this enough to prevent skin cancer, leathery skin, and to prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Apply sunscreen every 4 hours and more frequently if you are in the water. And avoid or limit sun exposure during peak hours 10-2pm. If it's unavoidable, wear UVA protective sunglasses and a hat.
What SPF should you use?
For Fair Skin - Use an SPF of 30-50
For Medium Skin - Use an SPF 15-30
For Dark Skin - Use an SPF 8-15
NOTE: For a great natural looking tan, opt for a self-tanner such as Tan Towels. These easy to apply self-tanning towelettes provide a streak-free natural looking tan without the sun! For fair, medium, and olive skin tones. Also, it's very important before using self-tanning products to exfoliate the skin throroughly especially the knees, feet, and elbows with a body scrub or polish to avoid uneven dark spots.
Take the Summer Sun Exposure Quiz and find out what you need to know about protecting your skin from the hot summer sun!
FOR EASIEST NAVIGATION...
Visit the SITE MAP or CATEGORIES Page!
